Internet Providers in Ely, MN (2026)
Ely, Minnesota, is a community of about 3,924 people. The local internet market is highly competitive with 11 providers offering broadband service. The provider with the widest coverage in Ely is HughesNet, reaching an estimated 100.0% of the area via Satellite.
Quick Facts: Internet in Ely
- Population: 3,924
- Number of Providers: 11
- Technologies Available: 5G, Cable, DSL, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, Mobile, Satellite
- Fiber Available: Yes (CenturyLink, AT&T Internet, Frontier Fiber, Verizon Fios)
- Highest Coverage: HughesNet (100.0%)
- Representative ZIP Code: 55731
Internet Providers in Ely, Minnesota — Full Comparison
The table below lists every internet provider with verified coverage in the Ely CBSA market area. Coverage percentages come from FCC Broadband Data Collection filings and represent the share of locations each provider can serve.
| Provider | Technologies | Estimated Max Speed | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | Satellite | up to 150 Mbps | 100.0% |
| Viasat | Satellite | up to 150 Mbps | 100.0% |
| Starlink | Satellite | up to 150 Mbps | 100.0% |
| CenturyLink | Fiber, DSL | up to 5 Gbps | 55.6% |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | up to 300 Mbps | 46.5% |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | up to 5 Gbps | 33.0% |
| Spectrum | Cable | up to 1.2 Gbps | 31.0% |
| Mediacom | Cable | up to 1.2 Gbps | 25.8% |
| Frontier Fiber | Fiber, DSL | up to 5 Gbps | 7.6% |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | up to 300 Mbps | 7.5% |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | up to 5 Gbps | 7.5% |
Ely Internet Market Analysis
The Ely, MN broadband market is concentrated with one or two dominant carriers. With 11 total providers, residents have a highly competitive selection of internet service options. Competition among providers typically leads to better pricing, higher speed tiers, and improved customer service.
Technology Breakdown
- Fiber: 4 providers (CenturyLink, AT&T Internet, Frontier Fiber) offering symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps
- Cable: 2 providers (Spectrum, Mediacom) with download speeds up to 1.2 Gbps
- Fixed Wireless / 5G: 3 providers (T-Mobile, AT&T Internet, Verizon 5G Home) offering wireless broadband alternatives
Market Size and Coverage
With an estimated population of 3,924 and approximately 1,570 households, Ely represents a meaningful broadband market in Minnesota. The relatively high number of providers (11) serving this market suggests strong infrastructure investment and competitive pricing pressure that benefits consumers.
Choosing the Right Plan in Ely
For the fastest speeds and best long-term value, fiber internet from CenturyLink is the top choice in Ely. Fiber plans offer symmetrical upload and download speeds with lower latency than cable. For budget-conscious households, cable internet from Spectrum provides strong download performance at typically lower introductory pricing. Enter your ZIP code above to compare specific plans and promotions available at your address.
Fiber Internet in Ely
Fiber internet is available in Ely from CenturyLink, AT&T Internet, Frontier Fiber and 1 more. Fiber delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it ideal for remote work, video conferencing, and gaming. Nationally, fiber reaches approximately 57% of addresses.
Broadband Expansion Programs
Minnesota has been allocated $652 million through the federal BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program. This funding is expected to expand broadband infrastructure across underserved areas of Minnesota, potentially improving options for Ely residents over the next 3–5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best internet providers in Ely, MN?
The top internet providers in Ely, MN are HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink, CenturyLink, T-Mobile and 6 additional ISPs. For the fastest speeds, fiber providers like CenturyLink offer the best performance. Enter your ZIP code to confirm availability at your specific address.
What is the fastest internet available in Ely?
The fastest internet in Ely comes from fiber providers: CenturyLink, AT&T Internet, Frontier Fiber offer fiber speeds up to 1–5 Gbps with symmetrical upload and download performance. Enter your ZIP code to confirm fiber availability at your address.
How much does internet cost in Ely, Minnesota?
Internet plans in Ely, Minnesota typically start around $25–35/month for entry-level service. Fiber plans begin at $50–60/month, Cable plans range from $30–55/month, and fixed wireless plans cost around $35–55/month. Introductory rates often last 12–24 months before increasing. Compare current promotional pricing from all local providers using your ZIP code above.
Is fiber internet available in Ely?
Yes, fiber internet is available in Ely from CenturyLink, AT&T Internet, Frontier Fiber and 1 more providers. Fiber delivers the fastest, most reliable internet with symmetrical speeds. Enter your ZIP code to verify fiber availability at your specific address.
Are there affordable internet options in Ely, MN?
Several providers in Ely, MN offer low-income internet plans. The FCC Lifeline program provides eligible households with a monthly discount on phone or internet service. Major ISPs including Xfinity (Internet Essentials), Spectrum (Internet Assist), and AT&T (Access) offer qualifying plans from $10–30/month. Note: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) expired in June 2024, but some providers continue voluntary low-income discount programs. Enter your ZIP code to see participating providers at your address.
How We Rank Providers
Our rankings use verified FCC Broadband Data Collection filings, analyzing coverage area, available technologies, speed tiers, and competitive positioning. We do not accept payment for ranking placement. For a detailed explanation of our methodology, visit our methodology page.








